1MineralsMinerals  4% total body weight Functions are many and varied essential for normal cellular activity osmotic properties of body fluids compose bones and teeth cofactors in enzyme systems2Classification of Minerals Macrominerals Calcium - Ca Phosphorus - P Sodium - Na Chloride - Cl Potassium - K Magnesium - Mg Sulfur - SClassification of Minerals Microminerals Cobalt - Co Iodine - I Iron - Fe Molybdenum - Mo Selenium - Se Zinc - Zn Copper – Cu Chromium – Cr Nickel – Ni Fluorine – F Silicon – Si Manganese - Mn3Mineral InteractionsMineral Interactions Impact Health Role of Cu in bone/joint development Beneficial to performance foals? Grazing, pregnant mares supplemented Reduction in joint problems of resulting foals Study was repeated and no benefit What was the difference between studies? Pasture Zn content4Calcium (Ca) Functions Bone/teeth formation and maintenance 99% of body Ca In 2:1 ratio with P in hydroxyapatie crystal Ca5(PO4)3OH Blood coagulation Muscle contraction Deficiency Rickets or osteomalacia Tetany Milk feverCalcium Absorption From duodenum and jejunum  Active or passive Decreased high pH, high fat, or high phytic acid in the diet Blood levels controlled by 1,25 OH D3and PTH Diet Considerations Ideal ratio is 2:1 (Ca:P) Forages have moderate to high Ca Grains have low Ca5Phosphorus (P) Functions Component of bones/teeth 80% in bone 20% in soft tissue Membrane phospholipids, DNA, RNA Energy transformation (ATP) Acid-base balance Deficiency Rickets or osteomalaciaPhosphorus (P) Absorption Active and passive High P limits Ca absorption Plant P often unavailable to animal Phytic acid Blood levels controlled by 1,25 OH D3and PTH6Phytic Acid Phytate or phytic acid is the main storage form of P in grains Monogastrics lack enzyme (phytase) needed to digest P excretion Supplemental phytase Increases availability of dietary P Lowers supplemental P required in diet Lowers P excretionMagnesium (Mg) Functions Bone formation 50% in bone Associated with ATP metabolism Enzyme activation Deficiency Anorexia, reduced weight gain Hyperemia Tetany Usually adequate levels in diet7Muscle Function Mg required for energy releasing enzyme activity in skeletal muscle ATP needed for detachment and Ca uptake Ca is the link between excitation and contraction lack of ATP to return Ca to storage = tetanyGrass Tetany Problem with grazing cattle periods of lush growth Etiology not completely understood high K and protein in fresh grasses may be antagonistic with Mg Hypomagnesium results in tetany ATP not efficiently utilized for detachment and Cauptake = tetany Prevent with supplemental Mg to animals grazing on lush pasture8Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Chloride (Cl) The Electrolytes! Functions Acid Base balance Osmotic pressure balance  90% K intracellular; 10% Na Cl main extracellular anion Deficiency K – abnormal heart function; decreased growth; muscle weakness Na – decreased growth and BW Cl – decreased growthSodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Chloride (Cl) Blood concentrations highly regulated Excess intake = increased excretion Little danger of toxicity if water available NaCl added to increase palatability Iodized salt Electrolyte solutions Treat/prevent dehydration Species specific Various forms9Macro Mineral Supplementation for LivestockMineral Need for supplementation in normal dietInorganic sourceRelative costCa Common Limestone $P Common Dicalcium Phosphate$$Mg Almost neverK Almost neverNa Common Salt $Cl Common Salt $Sulfur (S) Functions Located in organic compounds Thiamin & biotin; Proteins (Met & Cys); Vitamins,N Minimal involvement in acid-base balance N:S ratio of 10:1 in ruminant diets Potential for toxicity Structural component of wool, feathers, etc.10Polioencephalomalacia(PEM) Neurologic disease of ruminants Thiamin deficiency Current problem: high S intake Corn by-products (distillers grains, etc.) Symptoms: decreased appetite, twitching of ear/face, stargazing, staggering, etc.Dietary Cation/Anion Balance Dietary Cation Anion Difference (DCAD) Balance of cations and anions in diet= (Na + K+ Ca+ Mg) – (Cl + P + S) Cations raise blood pH Buffer blood against lactic acid Anions lower blood pH Increase affinity for receptors to bind PTH11Iron (Fe) – Trace mineral Functions Component of hemoglobin and myoglobin Deficiency Easily deficient Especially newborns Poor placental transfer Milk is low AnemiaCopper (Cu) – Trace Mineral Functions RBC formation Bone development Hair and wool pigmentation Deficiency Anemia Bone disorders Depigmentation Sheep especially sensitive to toxicity12Zinc (Zn) – Trace Mineral Functions Component of metallo-enzymes Synthesis of skin keratin and collagen Deficiency Impaired reproduction Lesions of skin, disorders of hair, feathers, etc. Parakeratosis Relatively non-toxic in excess May promote growth in pigsManganese (Mn) – Trace Mineral Functions Cofactor for enzyme systems Synthesis of chondroitin sulfate Deficiency Defective bone formation Perosis – slipped tendon Poultry Diet is adequate for most species13Cobalt (Co) – Trace Mineral Functions Required only as a component of vitamin B12 Ruminant animals Deficiency Mimics B12deficiency in ruminants Anemia EmaciationIodine (I) – Trace Mineral Functions Regulate metabolic rate Thyroxine formation Deficiency Goiter Increased incidence of stillbirths & abortions Decreased growth Iodized salt is a good source14Selenium (Se) – Trace Mineral Functions Interrelated with vitamin E Component of glutathione peroxidase Deficiency White muscle disease Exudative diathesis Liver necrosis Toxicity Acute vs. Chronic Blind staggers Hair and hoof lossSe has a very low threshold for toxicity!!Selenium Concentrations in feeds is soil dependent Toxicity/deficiency related to geographic area15Se Deficiency - White Muscle Disease Results from a deficiency of Se or vitamin E